Initiatives

EVERYDAY STRONG is a United Way program that equips caring adults with training and tools to support the mental health and wellness of children aged 8 to 18. The program promotes a simple, research-based framework that any caring adult can use to help build a sense of safety, connection and confidence in young people. United Way is partnering with Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), Petersburg City Public Schools, and over 30 other community partners to deliver free EveryDay Strong resources and trainings to the community so that adults can learn simple tools for supporting youth mental health. We’re on a mission to build resilient kids and strong communities through this program. For more information, click here.

KINDERGARTEN COUNTDOWN CAMP (TRANSITIONED 7/30/24) pilot program, which ran in the summers of 2021, 2022, and 2023, addressed the need for nontraditional school readiness programs in our rural communities. After three successful summers piloting the KCC, United Way transitioned administration of the KCC to the counties of Powhatan and Dinwiddie in 2024. The transition provided technical assistance to build Powhatan and Dinwiddie Counties school divisions’ capacity to manage all aspects of the camps’ administration, ensuring sustainability of the program for years to come. This was made possible thanks to United Way, generous donors, and our school district partners. The KCC is a free summer learning program for rising kindergarten students with limited to no preschool experience that is taught by licensed teachers and prepares students and their parents for a successful start in kindergarten. While at Camp, students receive breakfast and lunch, a new book each week, and a backpack full of school supplies. They learn the academic and social-emotional skills needed to succeed in school and life.   

RIDE UNITED is a national partnership with the rideshare service Lyft to provide on-demand rides for people with no other transportation options. United Way has been supporting alternative transportation solutions in the region since June 2021, when Ride United was launched to help people get to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments. The program soon expanded to offer a greater range of pandemic recovery services including education, employment, health care, and more. Ride United continues today with community partnerships with HumanKind, Senior Connections, and the Community College Workforce Alliance to close transportation gaps so people with limited access can get to work, meet with their child’s teacher, go to the doctor, or perform other essential tasks in an equitable manner. For more information, click here.

UNITED WAY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM offers free tax preparation for families and individuals with income of $64,000 or less. Our 15 tax prep sites are located throughout the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region.  Assistance is also available from home through our online service. Our work is made possible with the support of the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant and Virginia Community Action Partnership. In 2024, we mobilized 189 tax volunteers who spent 5,400 volunteer hours to help us serve the community, relieving the stress of tax season while also bringing additional financial resources to households that need it the most. For more information, click here.

UNITED FOR ALICE is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate, and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state, and national levels. UNITED for ALICE raises awareness about a huge but hidden segment of our community that is struggling to afford basic necessities. The success of a community is directly related to the financial stability of its members. United Way staff convene lunch and learn workshops for interested groups. 

VOLUNTEERS UNITED which launched in April 2023, is a dedicated group of 12 volunteers that help lead United Way volunteer opportunities happening in our region. These leaders are selected every spring and support various initiatives over the year, completing at least eight hours of community service during their time on the Volunteers United Team. Volunteer opportunities range from helping to install Little Free Libraries to working with United Way partners on collaborative programs. United Way volunteers come from all backgrounds and localities across our region to bring United Way’s mission to life. They donate their skills, time and resources to support this mission, and so much of United Way’s work depends on their dedication. We also help companies of all types and sizes drive significant social change across our community through volunteerism. United Way relies on dedicated and motivated workplace campaign volunteers to support our work and supports a variety of local volunteer opportunities that help people feel more connected to their neighbors, all while supporting our community. 100% of our volunteers surveyed said they are satisfied with the impact that they made on the community and are likely to volunteer again. For more information, click here.

WOMENRISE offers childcare scholarships to local single moms pursuing a college degree. This program provides access to quality childcare and supports long-term financial stability for these families by removing barriers for women pursuing educational and career advancement. The WomenRise program is supported by members of United Way’s WomenRise Steering Committee, who not only fundraise for the scholarships, but offer support and encouragement for participants throughout their time in WomenRise. Since it began in 2021, WomenRise has helped 14 women graduate with a college degree or certificate by awarding $400,000 in scholarships. For more information, click here.